digital divide

							Choice #12d

K-12/Post Secondary Collaboration Resulting in the Nucleus of a Virtual
Professional Development School Network



How to Cross the Digital Divide without Leaving the Classroom

By: Teres Brawner
North Intermediate High School
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Problem:

      We did not have the digital cameras and scanners in our classroom to

be able to create multimedia presentations. To obtain access we had to

compete with the 1,300+ other students in our building for the use of one

digital camera, two scanners, and two computer labs. This severely limited

the ability of our students to prepare and present information using Power

Point or other multimedia presentation software. While in theory my classes

of 5-6 D/deaf and hard of hearing students are “equal” to other classes with

30 students, it is sometimes hard to hold on to computer lab time when

others want it. My classroom has three computers hooked up to the

internet, so research can be done and Power Point presentations made, but

incorporating digital photos and material that students have found from

primary sources was not possible.
Solution:

      Janet Allen and I, who teach together in the afternoons, used our

money cooperatively to solve this problem. Janet bought a digital camera

and I bought a three-in-one copier, scanner, and printer. Using both pieces

of technology, our students have been able to research on-line as well as

bring in primary resources for use in multi media presentations. Our final

project used all of this technology. Some of our students went on a trip to

Washington D.C. with the Close Up Foundation. Upon our return, we used

digital pictures as well as pictures that different students took with

conventional cameras and scanned them in. These were used to make the

Power Point presentation submitted with this document. Two of our English

students put this presentation together.

      Having this technology in our classroom has made utilizing it much

easier for all of our D/deaf and hard of hearing students. Janet and I are

also looking forward to using both technologies for more than just student

projects, but as teaching tools next school year.



Contact Information:

Teres Brawner M.S., CI, CT, CED              tbrawner@ba.k12.ok.us